I Want To Hear Jesus

Before you ask...Yes, this is a teaching blog. I wish I had this cool blog with all these ethereal thoughts and whimsical words flowing across the page. I do think I am quite whimsical in nature, but God just won't let me do that right now! So, here goes.

Jesus' personal words to me have been the greatest treasure of my life. I hope to transmit any small nugget I can to help you get closer to Him! I pray that your hunger for Him will be so strong, you won't get enough! He is the TREASURE!

I have spoken with many who want to hear His voice. It is not complicated, but there are some basic concepts found in Scripture I want to break down so they are practical for you.

Think a minute about each question:

-What distance should I be from someone to hear them speak? 

-Have I honed the skill of truly listening to others? 

-If I hear lots of voices, how do I pay attention to the one I desire to listen to?

It is fair to say if you feel ashamed or unworthy, you may not feel confident to talk to Jesus. The blood of Jesus ONLY causes us to be worthy. Have faith in His blood to cleanse you every day (repent) and just go to God! The more you come to Him in this way, the easier it will be to enter His presence. Just do it. (Feelings have to get in line!)

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6  

Learn the way Jesus works.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29. A yoke is an instrument of work and plowing. He is saying to learn from Him, His way is humble and gentle. His ways will lead you into a state of inner rest: rest from a busy mind, crazy emotions, and physical stress.

To learn from Jesus, you must learn to listen and hear His words. This may seem simple, but anyone who has tried to pray realizes the many distractions vying for your mind and heart. Here is what you need!

1. Focus your attention on Jesus.

2. Open your spiritual ears to hear Him.

3. Get close to Him, move your heart upward to Him.

4. Be receptive to WHATEVER He may say or impress upon you.

5. Listen to learn. Have your bible and notebook with you so you don't miss anything. Write everything down (every impression and thought.)

6. Submit your heart to obey.

7. Respond appropriately.

Here is an exercise for you:

-Play a few of your favorite worship songs.

-Thank God for the good things in your life. 

-Read Psalm 147:1-11. 

-Begin at Step 1 above.

I want to expound on each of these points in the following weeks. Tell me what you think about this subject! 

What is Intercessory Prayer? Part One

Some people think intercessory prayer is speaking in tongues. Or waking up at 3 a.m. and praying in great travail. It may incorporate the element of praying in tongues or travail, but those are only aspects of this multi-faceted practice. To intercede means to "stand in the gap" for others, approaching God on their behalf. It also has an element of concern, fervency, being Spirit-led, and utilizing spiritual gifts. Because of this, it is not a mental exercise, but quite a spiritual one. Mature intercessors have a strong spirit, with senses that have been exercised and trained by the Holy Spirit as well as the ability to love and be in unity with other believers. Knowing the word of God is paramount for victory in prayer so you can align with God's heart and mind. Some examples of intercessors in the bible: Abraham, David, Daniel, Jesus, Paul.

We intercede for others because Jesus did. Jesus was, is, and forever will be praying or interceding for the saints. He is our High Priest who empathizes with our pain and weaknesses. We can often feel the pain of others during times of prayer knowing that Jesus wants to alleviate their suffering and bring His peace. We cry out to God for what they need from Heaven!

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 (ESV) 

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 

A burden from the Lord is often given to those who will pray. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for believers according to the Father's will. It is important that we get "out of the way" and pray Scripture and those things revealed to us by the Holy Spirit that align with Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to flow from within us.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

God is searching for those who will seek His face and be faithful to see His kingdom come and His will be done on the earth. Is He looking for you? 

He (God) saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59:16

Paul instructed Timothy that prayer should be made for all people, leaders, and governments so they will be saved and walk in the knowledge of the truthful ways of God. If His kingdom is among us in the political and church systems, we will live in peace and safety. We are told to be godly and act with dignity. Prayer is credited for paving the way so the lost can be saved. Jesus instructed us to pray to the "Lord of the Harvest" that laborers would be sent out to evangelize.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,or kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

How to Journal and Hear God

Writing is an excellent way to connect with God. He is the Word! His love letter, the Bible, is proof that writing is important to Him. The scribes of old brought us the message of the gospel. Ancient scrolls are still being found which contain the words of life and bear witness to the truth.

How can writing benefit your relationship with God? By journaling. 

Journaling is a form of interactive and reflective prayer and meditation of the Scripture. 

How to journal:

1. Get into prayer mode: Ask God to cleanse You and fill You afresh with His Spirit.

2. Choose a Psalm or begin with the book of John. 

3. Start with one verse.

For example, Let's choose John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

4. With paper and pen available, begin to focus on the Lord.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what this verse means focusing on each word. 

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26). As we remain in Him, the anointing will enlighten us (I John 2:27). 

6. Begin to write down everything that comes to your mind. (You will be surprised how much you write down!) 

7. Ask the Holy Spirit further questions, but stay focused on this verse! 

This exercise will feed your mind and your spirit, you will begin to experience that "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" and find "rest for your souls." Warning: This form of study and listening prayer can be very addicting!

I would love to hear from you on this topic!

A Prayer Model Based on the Lord's Prayer

Jesus taught his disciples to pray in this manner (Matthew 6). This is an outline of how you can incorporate the Lord’s prayer in your life.

         

Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. (NASV)

-Address your prayer to God through the Lord Jesus and meditate on Him thanking and appreciating Him for who He is. You may want to learn about the different names of God in the Bible and call Him by those names (example: Jehovah Jireh – You are My Provider).

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

This would be an appropriate time to pray for:

• Nation, State, County, and City
• Your Church
• Pastor and family
• Staff and family
• Leaders and family
• Church families
• Lost people attending church
• Your Family
• Yourself

 Give us this day our daily bread.

• Pray to live in His presence today and hear His  voice.
• Bring your requests before Him.
• Ask for His blessings in your life.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

• Ask God to forgive your sins. 
• Forgive and release others. 
• Ask God to give you a heart of forgiveness for today and the future.

   And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.    

• Pray to surrender your life and mind to the will of the Father.
• Ask God to guide your day and give you a way of escape for any temptation you may encounter.

• Ask God to cover and protect you with the blood of Jesus.
• Ask God to help you walk in the Spirit and follow His ways.
• (Based on Ephesians 6:10-20) Pray for a renewed mind, a right walk with God, that you will hear and speak the truth, be prepared to share the gospel, walk in faith, and ready to speak the word with boldness.

Thank God for hearing and answering your prayers. Praise Him for what he has done and what He will do. Be expectant!

Cleansing Prayers

See Psalm 51:2, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 10:22, James 1:27, 4:8, 2 Timothy 2:20-22, and I John 1:9.

Cleansing prayers are essential in a believer’s life. As we walk through certain life or ministry situations, we may begin to feel heavy or “dirty.” This would be the appropriate time to pray a cleansing prayer. As the priests washed their hands continuously while offering sacrifices to God, so we must be aware of our ongoing spiritual hygiene.

Father God, I ask You to cleanse me right now from anything that is not from You. Cleanse me of all my sins, wash me with the pure water of Your Spirit. I want to be pure and holy in Your sight and do not want to be stained by this world. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses, washes, and sanctifies me for Your service. I submit my mind, body, soul, and spirit to be cleansed right now. I dedicate my life again to You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1, AMP

So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-22, AMP

   

Freedom From Evil Influences

See Deuteronomy 18, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Corinthians 12:21, James 5:16.

If you are constantly bombarded with sinful thoughts or desires that you can’t control through prayer or praise and worship, you may have access points in your life that evil spirits are taking advantage of.

Some sins need to be repented of and renounced. These include sexual sins (all types), involvement in false religions or cults, occult/dark arts, or drug and alcohol abuse. These particular sins open doors to the enemy that need to be closed. All agreement with them must be denied access in a believer’s life.

If you feel led by the Holy Spirit to pray over these issues, have a strong Christian pray and agree with you. You will need to pray these prayers out loud. Before you pray this prayer, make sure you have prayed the Prayer of Repentance above for each sin. Now you are ready to confess and reject these practices. (Before you pray this prayer, make sure you have read all the prayer posts on this blog, and made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.)

Father, I come to You to confess my involvement in (name sin). In addition to confessing this activity as a sin that offends You, I now wish to totally reject any involvement in (name sin) and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help me resist any drawing or temptations toward these particular sins. I thank You, Jesus, for Your blood that destroys the power of sin in my life.

I break any words in any form that have been spoken against me or I have spoken in the past that are not in agreement with God’s word. I cancel any agreement or access right now to any evil spirit that may be affecting me as a result of my involvement in (name sin). You have no legal right to me anymore. I have been bought with the price of the blood of Jesus. I have now totally confessed and rejected my involvement in (name sin) to God the Father. As an act of my will, I turn away from (name sin). I ask You to close all doors and break any emotional or spiritual ties I have with anyone right now in the name of Jesus. God has forgiven me and I forgive myself for these sins.

I command any spirits that do not name the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to leave me right now. I don’t need you anymore, I don’t want you anymore. Go now in the name of Jesus Christ! Thank You Lord Jesus for my freedom! I praise You that You have won the victory at the cross for me! Father, I ask You to fill me now to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is normal to experience temptation for these sins immediately after prayer. Be ready to resist!

Prayer of Repentance

Repent means to change your mind about sin. To make a u-turn on the road of life and begin to walk on the narrow road. Sin should be rejected in a believer's life. Ask God to help you hate any and all sin, and embrace His word and life.

See Psalm 103:12; Matthew 3:2; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 17:30; I John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 3:19.

 

Father God, I come to You to offer my body and life totally to You. I confess my sins of (name each sin). I fully admit that what I have done is wrong and sinful in Your sight. In Jesus name, I now ask that you please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that Your Son has personally shed for me on the cross. I also ask You, Holy Spirit, to give me the power to resist these particular sins. I now through an act of my will turn away from these sins. I forgive myself for sinning against You in this way. Thank you that my sins will no longer be remembered by You! Amen.